This year was another superb one for music. Amazing albums and EPs were released left and right, making it difficult, at times, to keep focus on certain standouts. One had to dig past comfort zones to find gems, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t masterpieces from well-known places either.
This list was originally supposed to contain only ten titles, but there were just too many we couldn’t leave out. In the end, we settled for a total of 38 records (and even that wasn’t enough). With this, we urge you to not only check these out, but also to explore beyond what is given. You might surprise yourself.
So, in no particular order, here are some of our favorites from the year.
Choke Cocoi / Tiger Pussy Split
Three songs each from two amazing bands in the local punk community, released on limited edition 7” vinyl.
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Fiddlehead – Springtime and Blind
No-frills post-hardcore from Boston, filled with lots of angst and music about passing youth.
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Kino1998 – CLOSER EYES
Producing music out of a Game Boy, Kino1998 is Filipino producer Jezi Matias’ chiptune project. If the name sounds familiar, you might recognize him from his other projects, namely sleepersecond and the band Sasaya.
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Irrevocable – Where is Home?
Get yourself to an Irrevocable gig ASAP. Their shows are always fun and wild, and this debut is proof of that.
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Camp Cope – How to Socialise & Make Friends
The second release from the Australian band, now with an even higher sense of urgency whilst retaining the bittersweet longing from the previous record.
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TIM ÄWÄ – TIM ÄWÄ
The debut from the solo post-rock girl from Lucena, sure to be a hit among fans of LITE and Enemies.
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awakebutstillinbed – what people call low self-esteem is really just seeing yourself the way that other people see you
Emo music that builds as it progresses—the result of when you’ve had enough of your surroundings’ jadedness.
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The Night Game – The Night Game
Boys Like Girls frontperson Martin Johnson returns with a new band—a throwback to the 80s and never-ending youth; powerful from beginning to end.
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savedhistory – las drogas son (no) buenas para ti
Hailing from the Philippines, savedhistory fills rooms with eclectic, dreamy lo-fi pop music.
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orchid mantis – kulla sunset
Amazingly hazy ambient pop from Georgia—something for soul-crushed outcasts.
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Lamp – Her Watch
Lush, soulful music from Japan. The band has a strong following outside the country—the Philippines needs to catch up.
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Betrayed – Why Must Everything Involve Politics?
After several years, veteran Filipino punk band Betrayed is back with another killer album.
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if i die in mississippi – holographic heartache
Emotionally-invested ambient work sure to bring tears to your eyes.
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Advance Base – Animal Companionship
A chilly album looking back at bittersweet summer days.
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killuv – self titled ep
An underrated bedroom pop album taking influences from R&B, soul, shoegaze, and emo.
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tide/edit – All My Friends
The Filipino band back with an oceanic, straight to the point offering of danceable math rock.
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Pamcy – Piso Isa
Manila-based house producer Pamcy Fernandez makes music reminiscent of being in candy-glitter cities and Japanese arcades. This two-track EP, released this year on Australian label Healthy Tapes, is a perfect introduction to the musician’s work.
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Snail Mail – Lush
Don’t let the year end without checking out Lindsey Jordan’s super cool solo indie rock project.
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Limbs – Exquisite Corpse
When the world does nothing but bring you hate, it’s time to let the rage out.
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ビクター ＭＫＩＩ – 雨 Ame
The Naga City-based producer’s new release puts focus on rain and after-school romance, bringing about an album filled with endless nostalgia.
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Ariana Grande – Sweetener
The R&B musician’s fourth studio album is another pop hit filled with throwback-style production.
Listen here: Ariana Grande – No Tears Left to Cry
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Mandaue Nights – Love City
This synth-pop duo from Cebu needs more listeners. They’ll have you dancing and singing in no time!
Listen here: Mandaue Nights – First Kiss
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free cake for every creature – the bluest star
Indie pop goodness for your shattered soul.
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Teenage Wrist – Chrome Neon Jesus
A hypnotic record coming together to form a cohesive, dark blue mood.
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Outerhope – Vacation
Something that makes this album special is it draws you deeper in with every listen; subtle, emotional details turn up with every spin.
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Washington Drama Club – Yada Yada Yada
The opening track immediately grips, and it’s as captivating as the rest of the EP. Physical copies were sold this year; the digital version is expected next year.
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Sobs – Telltale Signs
A lot of people have probably already heard of Singaporean band Sobs by now, what with their recent All of the Noise show. Their catchy blend of indie pop and dreamy rock is enough to make anyone groove, and this album is no exception.
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ruru – Far Out
Beautifully raw R&B pop from Manila. It’s time to stop sleeping on ruru.
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youngsleepyboi – hello girlfriend.
Filipino producer and barista Moe Cabral has been around for a while. When he isn’t out on the streets, he lives in the Internet, taking cues from various subgenres and transforming them into captivating sounds.
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illuminati hotties – Kiss Yr Frenemies
A gripping and balanced indie rock record from LA-based Sarah Tudzin. You might recognize them from their other project, Power Snuggle.
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Mayday Parade – Sunnyland
Everyone knows who the band is, but this latest album was kind of overlooked. A pity, if you ask us.
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Ozzga – When You’re Away
From the art alone, local shoegaze band Ozzga brings to mind classic outfits like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. This five-piece from the Metro is definitely worth checking out.
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Beast Jesus – Binary System Transmission: 001
A criminally overlooked introspective release from local favorite Beast Jesus. The band once again graces our ears with honest, ever-evolving music.
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Wild Pink – Yolk in the Fur
After last year’s release, the folky alternative band is back with another equally adventurous record.
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Megumi Acorda – unexpectedly
Painfully blissful moments come to life on this fuzzy local EP.
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❀ Foliage ❀ – III
A solo jangle pop project that just might be your next favorite act, particularly if you like the Smiths and Beach House.
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Freya – The Fifth
Tamara Westwood is one talented individual deserving of your attention. Look out for this artist.
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somesurprises – Alt
A 21-minute experience to free you from the confines of this world.
Listen to our playlist featuring songs from these releases here.
Words by Kurvine Chua.